Mid-season review: Hawthorn

Hawthorn's mid-season report cardAFL.com.au reporter Marc McGowan joins the team to discuss how the Hawks are tracking

Shaun Burgoyne and Jack Gunston have been left to shoulder plenty of the load for Hawthorn

The season so far

There was scepticism about Hawthorn's bold choice to let champions Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis go – on top of Brad Hill seeking a trade home to Western Australia – but few expected the Hawks to fall so quickly. They have lost four times by 51 points or more, own a dismal 4-8 win-loss record and are second-last despite playing an extra game than most of the bottom-eight clubs. Josh Gibson and maybe Luke Hodge are retirement-bound – Shaun Burgoyne seems likely to play on – but the positive is the emergence of NAB AFL Rising Star contender Ryan Burton, Tim O'Brien, Blake Hardwick, Daniel Howe and James Cousins, and the continued development of Kaiden Brand. Ex-Swan Tom Mitchell has been nothing short of outstanding, including an extraordinary 50-disposal outing against Collingwood in round nine.

Dejected Hawks have become a familiar sight this year. Picture: AFL Photos

Missing in action

There are many candidates, but Grant Birchall (three games) and prized recruit Jaeger O'Meara (four) have played seven matches between them. Both should return shortly after the round 13 bye.

The concern

Third quarters remain a major issue for the Hawks, who have won just three out of 12 this season. The opposition had more scoring shots in two of those winning terms. Coach Alastair Clarkson is yet to publicly offer a theory for what is going wrong, only repeatedly offering a gimmicky line about [insert name of journalist who asks the question] replacing him if they could figure it out.

Pass mark

It's all about the kids now. Once you start talking about Hawthorn still 'mathematically' being able to make the top eight, you know its hopes are as good as shot. Even the coach's words are less gung-ho in recent times about a late-season revival. Some of the young players look better than advertised, so hopefully they will get an extended senior run.

The coach

Alastair Clarkson has shown unwavering belief in many of those who served him well in the past, but injuries and poor form from some lesser names have forced his hand at selection. Has spoken twice in the past week about his confidence that the core of this playing list can form a successful Hawks line-up in the near future.

How the best 22 has changed

Seven of the below team – Frawley, Stratton, Birchall, Rioli, O'Meara, Hodge and Breust – didn't play in the last-start Gold Coast loss. Frawley and Rioli are still many weeks away and Clarkson hinted the latter may not return this year. O'Brien, who has enjoyed a breakout season, beats Vickery for a berth, while Hodge comes into the best 22 after a club suspension cost him his round one place. Young guns Burton, Howe and Hardwick demand selection. Kaiden Brand is unlucky, but will be a big part of the future defensive structure.